Academic Spotlight: Allison Everett

■ Reason for nomination: “While Allison has a very high grade-point average and is one of our top academic students, the characteristics that set her apart are her optimistic, cheerful personality and her willingness to help others. She is truly one of the most kind and compassionate students I’ve ever worked with.”

■ Biggest achievement: “My biggest achievements are staying in school, being involved and working my hardest.”

■ Secret to success: “My secret to success is my faith in Christ because as long as I’m living to bring him glory, I’m successful in that area and success everywhere else really isn’t that important.”

■ Favorite subject: “My favorite subject is English because I enjoy reading, writing and thinking outside the box, all of which have been encouraged in my English class.”

■ Current involvement in community or school: “I’m currently involved in the Tascosa band, National Honor Society, the Tascosa speech and debate team, and FISH club, which is a club that does community service for hunger organizations such as the High Plains Food Bank.”

■ How do you stay motivated: “I stay motivated by reminding myself that all I can do is my best while finding little fun things about life, such as the beautiful song we played in band or the cool poem we discussed in English, instead of focusing on the negative, such as how I have to wake up or how much homework I have. It helps me to look at the bright side of things!”

■ Plans and goals after graduation: “I want to get my teaching degree and teach students overseas as a missionary.”

■ Best-kept secret: “My hidden talent is that I can play many different kinds of sports such as ultimate Frisbee and basketball, and I enjoy doing so with my church and my family.”

■Favorite books: “I absolutely adore almost any piece of literature, but fairy tales are my favorite.”